Asymmetric swingarm, composed of cast
aluminium and pressed in aluminium alloy, with Extreme Technology single
shock absorber adjustable in compression, dual regulation
for low and high speed damping andextension and spring pre-load.

Front Brakes

2 x 320mm Ø discs, 4 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

Single 240 mm Ø disc, 2 piston caliper

Front Tyre

120/70-17

Rear Tyre

190/50-17

Wheelbase

1419 mm / 55.9 in

Seat Height

807 mm / 31.8 in

Ground Clearance

140 mm / 5.7 in

Dry Weight

195 kg / 430 lbs

Fuel Capacity

20.8 Litres
/ 5.5 gal

The Tornado’s frame has been completely revised to meet
the new power and torque characteristic of the engine, without loosing any
input from the original Tornado project.

Rear radiator

This is one of the characterizing features of the Tornado.
50% of the weight is distributed to the front chassis of the bike in all
riding conditions. The advantage being increased precision when riding and
when entering bends.

Rear suspension

The shock absorber and the links have benefitted from
recent racing experience. The measurements have been slightly modified to
make the frame easier to manage adapting it to the new increased power and
torque values.

Frame

Some small improvements, for example the welding system and
tube assembly are now more accurate. The aluminum plates have been
modified to make the Tornado 1130 more enjoyable and satisfying to ride.

Tornado’s success had all to do with the racing
frame and the engine that fitted it so this is what engineers concentrated on
improving. The bike steers sharp and the three-cylinder engine fed through fuel
injection system is there to back the chassis’s abilities up. When compared to
other sporty bikes out there, Benelli is conscious of the missing piston
disadvantage and that is why we’re dealing with an 1130cc engine.

First introduced in 2006, the first
fully-faired Tornado (previous bikes were naked ones) was what everyone expected
from the relatively small Italian manufacturer. The engine develops 120 kW at
10.500 RPM, definitely comparable with Japanese supersports (although we won’t
do that, read a bit more) and the 124 Nm at 8000 RPM as well.

What clearly stood out was the manufacturer’s ambition to situate itself among
the top Italian players next to Aprilia and Ducati so styling was very
important. As a result, we witnessed the introduction of a truly aggressive
styled motorcycle with features that even inspired others to give it a try on
their own bikes.

Much to do with it being impressive
and worth the buck is the way it looks. Exterior design is important, especially
in the given category and thanks to Benelli designers, it looks worthy of its
sporting abilities.

Its front end is characterized through the Y shape given by the screen and
headlight, the mirrors representing an extension of that shape, apart from their
obvious purpose. Also, the air scoops on the headlight’s sides give it a
distinctive look, but if you are used to seeing R1s every day, that’s what
you’ll be confusing it with.

On each side, the “Benelli” name will immediately clear your doubts. The fairing
features smooth, flowing lines and the paint schemes add further visual impact.
You can buy it either complete Grey (light on the top and dark on the sides) or
Grey and Green (this last going on the lower half).

Italian bikes usually have a flat looking tank, but this is more than I can
take. Carefully blended in, the tank doesn’t manage to stand out at all, but
simply do its job of keeping the fuel in its 19 Litres capacity while offering
enough space for the rider to tuck under the screen.

The seat doesn’t look like much comfort, but what I definitely appreciate at it
is the Ferrari like taillights. Now that is something unseen before!

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